So Who Speaks For The Trees?

[ghostice]

Tough call to turn down work if there's any doubt or controversy about whether some heritage age oaks should go or not, esp. for ISA Cert Arbs/ big huge company with equipment payments and payroll to meet? But for me, if there's any debate still ongoing, I'd be a no go till everybody is sure they do in fact come out. Can't glue branches back on!
Same issue I've had with insurance company's telling a widower to get her elm away from over her house - a look at the tree told me it could wait for our City's DED Bylaw OK-cut date in the fall (the thing had stood that way for years) but the pressure from the insurance company caused her to get a butcher in to do the job during EAB restricted cutting period (or they'd not renew her insurance). Or am I being harsh? Thoughts?

 

[cerviarborist]

Unfortunately, unless the tree belongs to you, you can only speak for it if you're engaged as a paid consultant to provide a professional opinion. If someone asks for a removal quote and they've got the requisite permits, then the "speak for the trees" ship has sailed.

As to insurance companies, they don't know trees, so if the client retains a properly qualified consulting arborist to do a risk assessment and that assessment results in a finding, which shows low risk of failure, or that removing branches would actually increase risk of failure, that finding trumps their unqualified inspector. Again, the owner of the tree has to hire a consultant arborist to render a professional opinion, before the starter cords on the chainsaws are pulled.

 

[oldoakman]

I agree 100% with cervi. The insurance inspectors are dweebs!

 

[RogerM]

So many decisions are based on unfounded fears. Even more jobs are sold when fear is introduced. They aren't growing as fast as they are getting cut down. I used to be excited to notch my belt with a big ass removal. It just feels different now. This subject always has and always will be an onion.